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City Hall conducts inspection operation at nursing home and finds elderly people tied up and in poor health and hygiene conditions
Published on 22/10/2025 - 12:18 | Updated
At the time of the action, the place housed 21 elderly people, 16 women and five men - Disclosure Rio de Janeiro City Hall, through the Municipal Secretariat for Healthy Aging and Quality of Life (SEMESQV), carried out another operation this Wednesday (October 22nd) as part of Operation Elderly Rights, in conjunction with the Civil Police's Operation Virtue, an inspection by the Municipal Health Surveillance Institute (IVISA-Rio), and other municipal agencies. The operation took place at a suspected nursing home located in Greater Tijuca, with the aim of evaluating the institution's operating conditions and ensuring the dignity and well-being of its elderly residents. The inspected facility, known as Lar de Serepta, located at Rua Eliseu Visconti, 20 – Catumbi, had been closed in September 2024 for failing to comply with current health regulations.
On Wednesday, teams returned to the address after a new report of abuse was forwarded to the Specialized Elderly Care Unit (DEAPTI). During the inspection, officers found three elderly people restrained using mechanical restraints, a lack of protein in the refrigerator, a strong odor of urine, and complaints of pain and discomfort from some of the elderly. Leakage points were also identified, despite the property having recently been painted and repaired.
At the time of the operation, the facility was housing 21 elderly people, 16 women and five men. The complaint was deemed valid, as officers found bedridden elderly people tied up, a situation that constitutes a serious violation of the rights of the elderly. The health permit presented by the administration was intended for a charitable association, but the facility operated as a Long-Term Care Facility for the Elderly (LTCF), which requires a medium to high health risk classification, rather than a minimal risk as declared.
In 2025 alone, 18 illegal establishments were shut down in joint operations by SEMESQV, IVISA-Rio, and the Civil Police, resulting in the rescue of 111 vulnerable elderly people. The operations also resulted in five deaths, including the one that occurred in Brás de Pina on September 23, when the person responsible for the establishment was arrested. The increase in reports following the disclosure of the operations reinforces the importance of SEMESQV's work through the Rio Cuidadoso channel, which receives an average of ten reports per month related to mistreatment, neglect, or improper operation of institutions. Among the most common violations are physical assault, psychological abuse, neglect, and property and sexual violence, both in clandestine nursing homes and in family settings.
In parallel with its inspections, the City Hall is investing in strengthening the LTCFs (Lives for Elderly Care) that operate regularly. In September, 64 Dignity Seals were awarded to institutions that stand out for their good management practices, welcoming, and respect for older adults. The seal, created by SEMESQV in partnership with COMDEPI, recognizes institutions committed to the safety, transparency, and dignity of older adults, encouraging others to follow the same standard of excellence. Currently, Rio has approximately 250 registered LTCFs.
"Our commitment is to make Rio an age-friendly city. Joining the program demonstrates that institutions are committed to this goal, striving to provide care with dignity, safety, and respect," emphasized Felipe Michel, Secretary of Healthy Aging.
The City Hall emphasizes that registration for regular LTCFs remains open and invites institutions to participate in the program, increasing transparency and oversight of the care network. Reports of abuse, neglect, or irregular operations can be made by calling 1746 or the Rio Cuidadoso channel: (21) 97533-8831. Information about LTCF registration is available by email at comdepi.rio@gmail.com.
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